Court History

Court History

The Georgia Magistrate Court system was established by an Act of the Georgia Legislature, effective July 1, 1983.  This legislation created the court following the adoption of a new Georgia Constitution in 1982 which unified Georgia’s Courts.  Previously, the Magistrate Court was better known as Justice Courts utilizing Justices of the Peace.  With the implementation of the magistrate court system, all small claims courts and justice of the peace courts in Georgia were abolished and the existing judges of those courts became magistrates.  All 159 counties are required to have a Chief Magistrate Judge assigned.  Cases heard in this court are scheduled quicker than many courts and will allow for an expedited conclusion.